Post COVID-19 era New age of cyber security

1. POST COVID-19 ERA: NEW AGE OF CYBER SECURITY Entering 2020, little did anyone know that most of the population would be working remotely amid a global lockdown? The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way Americans and everyone around the world live. Flattening the curve has changed everything- mandatory work from home policies seems to be the new normal, leading organizations to protect their sensitive data and businesses. For C-suite executives, daily business conversations now include not just operations but also safety, cyber security and resilience. In terms of cyber security, the work from home culture has aggravated old issues plaguing the United States and brought forward some new ones. For one, cyber insecurity in the healthcare sector risks patient safety now more than ever. A place where IoT devices and other technologies live side by side, the increased strain on hospitals and health institutions have made the healthcare sector vulnerable to phishing scams and cyber attacks. A report by Interpol warned that cyber attackers are targeting healthcare organizations- using ransomware to hold medical services digitally hostage, preventing them from accessing critical data until a ransom is paid. Another report by RiskIQ states that small-to-medium healthcare providers and clinics are more likely to be targeted due to a lack of qualified IT security personnel on staff. With the healthcare sector struggling to keep up with new cases, a cyber threat could leave them unable to access critical services. While attempting to work while sheltering-in-place, most companies and individuals are handing over their Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) data to organizations with poor privacy track records. The pandemic has led the Department of Health and Human Services to waive certain HIPAA restrictions that allow doctors to use video calling technologies to talk to patients remotely. While this helps them reach out to more patients, the conferencing technologies are not necessarily private, thus prone to cyber attacks. Another issue caused by the crisis is panic that has led to an increase in rumors and disinformation. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a portal for tracking and countering these rumors, most of them have already reached a majority of the US population. The disinformation has created a perfect environment for cybercriminals to monetize Coronavirus related scams. Since the COVID-19 began to spread in the US, private, state, and federal organizations have concentrated their efforts in mitigating the crisis. However, with every crisis come new risks and challenges. Organizations all over the US and globally have to face and overcome a few challenges: Outmaneuver uncertainties in future Adopt technology necessary to meet the demands of a remote workforce Outwit cyber criminals Adapt to new business priorities Evolve how they detect and defend themselves from security threats. Organizations need to do this quickly and cost-effectively. This is where Ignitec comes in. Our experts can help you with the most pressing challenges, deliver proactive threat intelligence and insights related to your business, and help prevent, detect and respond to security threats. This year has ushered in a new era of cyber security. Businesses that raise their game and protect their employees, technology, and data from the heightened risks of cybercrime will be crucial players in the economic turnaround. To leverage our around-the-clock global threat management cyber security expertise, visit https://www.ignitecinc.com/services/cyber-security CREATED BY IGNITEC